Does anyone know why my monsters is turning brown/black o...
Does anyone know why my monsters is turning brown/black on some leaves? I tried to google and I keep getting different answers😢 #Monstera #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy
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Best Answer
I agree with Elise @elisenavidad unfortunately that definitely looks like root rot. I would cut off all of the rotted leaves.
Then follow with trimming all of the brown black or mushy roots off. Healthy roots will be white or light tan on a monstera. I find that washing the roots off really helps to see what you’re dealing with.
Contrary to what some people say Monsteras can get root rot just like every other plant.
This is because continually wet soil ends up creating less oxygen in the soil. When you have no oxygen it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive and then it causes your plant to get root rot.
I treat a bit differently than Elise though after cutting off the roots I then soak the remainder of roots in a mixture of:
1 part 3% peroxide + 3 parts water. I let it sit and soak for around 5 minutes. To be absolutely sure no bacteria remains. Because the bacteria is what caused it in the first place.
Then you have to either sterilize your soil if reusing or use fresh soil.
Then you MUST also sterilize the pot because bacteria will be in there as well if you don’t it will come back.
For the soil I recommend fresh it’s always the safest option. But if you can’t you can sterilize it by baking in a 200 degree oven for 1 hour until it reaches 180 degrees. But…. WARNING this is really stinky. Or soak the soil thoroughly with the peroxide mixture but this is the risky option it’s quicker but if you miss any soil and the bacteria is still there, even a little bit, the root rot will return.
To sterilize the pot you need to scrub it out with a soapy water mixture and then scrub it with the peroxide mixture.
Then you can replant back into your pot.
Then follow with trimming all of the brown black or mushy roots off. Healthy roots will be white or light tan on a monstera. I find that washing the roots off really helps to see what you’re dealing with.
Contrary to what some people say Monsteras can get root rot just like every other plant.
This is because continually wet soil ends up creating less oxygen in the soil. When you have no oxygen it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive and then it causes your plant to get root rot.
I treat a bit differently than Elise though after cutting off the roots I then soak the remainder of roots in a mixture of:
1 part 3% peroxide + 3 parts water. I let it sit and soak for around 5 minutes. To be absolutely sure no bacteria remains. Because the bacteria is what caused it in the first place.
Then you have to either sterilize your soil if reusing or use fresh soil.
Then you MUST also sterilize the pot because bacteria will be in there as well if you don’t it will come back.
For the soil I recommend fresh it’s always the safest option. But if you can’t you can sterilize it by baking in a 200 degree oven for 1 hour until it reaches 180 degrees. But…. WARNING this is really stinky. Or soak the soil thoroughly with the peroxide mixture but this is the risky option it’s quicker but if you miss any soil and the bacteria is still there, even a little bit, the root rot will return.
To sterilize the pot you need to scrub it out with a soapy water mixture and then scrub it with the peroxide mixture.
Then you can replant back into your pot.
@annablu14 okay thank you!! Should I just let the leaves fall off, would cutting the black off help at all?
Hey! I’m sorry this is happening.. I’d definately take the plant out and check its root for root rot. If there are any grey, mushy roots I’d recommend gently removing those and spray the remaining roots down with 3% hydrogenn peroxide spray.
I’d highly recommend repotting it into some fresh, chunky soil in a pot with good drainage! Only water this plant when the top 2 inches of soil is dry.
You can also cut off the bad leaves to encourage some new growth! n
I’d highly recommend repotting it into some fresh, chunky soil in a pot with good drainage! Only water this plant when the top 2 inches of soil is dry.
You can also cut off the bad leaves to encourage some new growth! n
@elisenavidad thank you so much!! I didn’t see any mush roots surprisingly. Everything looked healthy, I’m at a loss- I’ll keep an eye out.
@SuperbRaspfern this is SO helpful, thank you for taking the time to write this!! Super appreciate it.
@Thaliasoasis Your welcome 💕